Next week the Monday Memo turns ten years old. What a great ten years it has been. I have learned so much about purpose and productivity, and I have met so many wonderful people. In that time, I have traveled the world, especially in Africa, to preach the purpose message and it has been a load of fun.
Almost every Sunday night for ten years, I have sat down at my computer, often unaware of what I would write and something always came to me. Sometimes it was a favorite from the archives, but it was always relevant and gave someone something to think and pray about.
I would still love to hear from you as I reflect on this tenth anniversary milestone. So tag, you're it! It's your turn to write.
1. I need your stories. I would like to gather testimonies of what the Monday Memo has done for you. This can include lessons learned or purpose found through the regular teaching included in the Memo.
2. I need your definition of purpose. I am finishing up my project for my Doctor of Ministry and my advisor recommended I have a stronger definition of purpose. I have a lot of statements about purpose, but I would like to put together something fresh with some punch. I want and need you to help me do that this coming week.
You can write me at [email protected] or post your feedback on the site where this entry is posted. I want to thank you for allowing me to come into your life on a weekly basis for these last ten years, although I realize you may have just subscribed last week! I know you probably get many such updates as the Monday Memo and I am not naive enough to think that you read everything I send you. The Monday Memo, however, allows me to stay fresh and has built my confidence that I did indeed have something to say to a large audience.
Next week I will be in Kenya and in preparation we packed up all the supplies we collected to give away while we are there (I am taking 17 others with me). We have 38 bags that weigh 2,000 pounds! You can read more about it and the money I have raised for the trip here.
I will be busy this week getting ready for Kenya and if you don't hear from me next week, don't worry. I may take a few weeks off from writing, but I'll see how I feel next week and those thereafter before I make a final decision. In the meantime, you can always read the past Memos here or check out my website for the complete archives and just about everything else I have written. Thank you again for permission to be a part of your life. May the Lord continue to bless and enlighten your PurposeQuest. Have a great week!
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THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE: Don't forget that I will be facilitating the life-changing seminar from The Pacific Institute in Nairobi on March 8-10. You don't want to miss this event. It's not cheap but it will pay dividends in your life for years to come. I look forward to seeing you in Nairobi!
Dear John
Thank you for your faithfulness in writing every week. It is one of the few that I ALWAYS open.
You asked for a definition of purpose. One of the oriental sages said that time is like a lotus, opening petal by petal. I think that purpose is similar. Our central purpose is like the heart of the flower, but it finds varying expressions at different times.
Through the years you have made me ponder a lot on purpose - especially my own. I finally decided it is to love and serve Almighty God and His creation. But this has been expressed differently through the decades and has included raising children, Bible distribution, intercession, fundraising, singing, worship, gardening, flower arranging, cleaning and mending church textiles, washing coffee cups, etc. Recently I have begun to think that listening actively, but silently, is a very important form of encouragement - especially to preachers - because several have commented on it. Most of us are ready to speak, but how often are we prepared to give our whole attention to listening to another soul? There is great need for this - especially to young and old. We need to listen with our eyes as well as our ears.
God has made each of us unique, so our purposes are unique, but I think the expression of our purpose can be similar as needs come to our attention. Your listening would probably be to help people clarify their purpose. Mine would likely be to help clarify their problems, teach how to cut them down to size and then help people to find their own solutions; or to define their desires/dreams and create a pathway to accomplish them.
Thus each of us is part of God's tailor-made vision to fulfil His purpose. May He bless you richly and grant you and your companions journey mercies.
Posted by: Sheena Freeman | February 28, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Dear John
The Monday Memo has provided me with profound and inspiring incites at crucial moments.
Its not easy to define purpose primarily because it is individually ascertained. I however think the following four defintions come close 1 Purpose is a God-given campus. 2 Purpose is an inexhaustible motivator.3
As a road signifies the best route possible for a vehicle, purpose signifies the best route possible for your life. 4 Life is a journey: purpose is the GPS.
Posted by: Brian Pindayi | March 06, 2011 at 09:23 PM
John,
Congratulations on 10 years of writing the Monday Morning Memo!
I read it almost every week and what it has been done for me is to help clarify my purpose and get me thinking of what God wants me to do in my next phase in life. I have had a business for over 16 years now and have recently felt the Lord telling me He has something else for me to do.
During the last year I have been doing a lot of thinking and writing ideas that come to mind. I don't have anything concrete yet, but this process has re-energized me to do well with what I have, build my business to the next level and be prepared for an exciting future God has for me.
I think purpose can be defined as using your God given talents to make an impact on your family, community and world in a way that brings you and others joy and meaning.
Thanks for your wisdom and persistence in writing Monday Memo every week.
Posted by: Tim Maloney | March 07, 2011 at 08:28 PM